Preparing for What Happens Before and After Joint Replacement Surgery

Preparing for knee or hip replacement surgery can help you feel more confident about what lies ahead. Taking time to mentally and physically prepare before and after surgery can support a smoother experience, just as you would when planning for any unfamiliar journey. We’re sharing our top tips to help you feel informed, prepared and supported throughout your joint replacement journey.

Go Into Surgery Strong

It’s important to stay as active as possible before your joint replacement. Your Colorado Joint Replacement care team can guide you on safe activities and exercises. The stronger you are going into surgery, the better prepared you’ll be for the physical challenges that come after your procedure.

Understand Your Pain Management Plan Ahead of Time

Joint replacement is a major surgery that can cause pain, but prescription and over-the-counter medications are powerful tools to provide relief. All joint replacements include a nerve block administered during surgery to help manage pain. The effects of the block can last for a few days, offering additional relief.

Post-surgery, patients are guided to use what’s called multimodal pain management. This can include narcotics (also known as opioids) and Tylenol for pain control, NSAIDs to reduce inflammation and other medications.

Your CJR care team will review your pain management plan at your pre-op appointment and help fine-tune your medication and doses after surgery.

When prescribed, opioid medication is used on a limited basis because of side effects that can include drowsiness, dizziness and constipation that can delay recovery. Opioids carry a high risk of addiction and are often unnecessary since many patients heal successfully on their own.

Prepare for How Your New Joint May Feel

Immediately after surgery, your new joint may feel stiff and heavy. Your surgeon may advise you to limit certain movements temporarily, but usually, there are no long-term limitations on movement. As recovery progresses, stability increases and awareness of the new joint diminishes as it becomes your new normal.

In general, a hip replacement or partial replacement feels more natural, while a total knee replacement may feel a bit mechanical to some patients.

Don’t Underestimate the Physical and Mental Demands

It’s not uncommon for patients to underestimate the amount of physical and mental exhaustion that results from a joint replacement. While there will be rough days, you can go into the process knowing that any challenges you experience are only temporary hurdles before you can get back to feeling like yourself again. You can give yourself full permission to go easy on yourself, taking plenty of time to rest and recover following your joint replacement surgery.

Prepare Your Home Before Surgery

There are several things you can do to help manage life at home after surgery. Read our blog on preparing your home before hip or knee replacement surgery for tips on everything from adjusting your physical environment and meal planning to navigating stairs and managing recovery when you live by yourself.

We’re Here for Your Whole Health

When you're considering knee or hip replacement surgery, having the right team by your side can make all the difference. At Colorado Joint Replacement, we're dedicated to supporting your body, mind and spirit throughout your care journey so you can focus on healing and getting back to living your most active life.

To schedule an appointment, call 720-524-1367. You deserve to feel whole.